persecution · 89–96 · Rome
Late in Domitian's reign (c. 89–96) charges of atheism reached even the imperial house: the consul Flavius Clemens was executed and his wife Flavia Domitilla banished. Eusebius places John's exile to Patmos in these years. Brief and selective, it was remembered as the second persecution.
Charges of 'atheism' — refusal of the imperial cult — reaching the aristocracy.
Flavius Clemens executed, Domitilla banished, John exiled to Patmos by tradition; brief, selective, remembered as the second persecution.